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Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad

Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad: A Zesty Summer Refreshment

Enjoy a light yet satisfying Spicy Chicken Cucumber Salad with refreshing crunch and zesty dressing, perfect for summer days.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Chilling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 2 Cucumbers Choose firm cucumbers without soft spots.
  • 1 lb Boneless Chicken Breasts Main protein; substitute with paneer or tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • ½ cup Fresh Mint Leaves Can substitute with basil or lime leaves.
  • ½ cup Fresh Coriander Leaves
  • ¼ cup Crushed Peanuts Can swap for roasted sunflower seeds.
For the Poaching Liquid
  • 4 cups Water Necessary for poaching the chicken.
  • 1 Bayleaf
  • ½ inch Ginger Contributes warmth and flavor.
  • 2 Star Anise 1-2 for flavor.
  • ½ tsp Peppercorns Introduces mild heat.
  • ½ tsp Coriander Seeds
  • 1 tsp Salt Essential for enhancing flavors.
For the Dressing
  • 1 tbsp Garlic Minced for flavor.
  • 1 tsp Sichuan Peppercorns Delivers numbing spiciness.
  • 1 tsp Chili Flakes Adjust according to spice preference.
  • 1 tsp Korean Chili Powder (Gochugaru) Or substitute with regular chili powder.
  • 3 tbsp Cooking Oil Use a neutral oil.
  • 1 tbsp Peanut Butter Can use tahini as a substitute.
  • 1 tbsp Light Soy Sauce
  • 1 tsp Honey
  • 2 tsp Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Oil
  • 1 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds Optional for garnish.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium mixing bowl
  • small saucepan
  • platter

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a large pot, combine enough water to fully cover the chicken, a bayleaf, ginger, star anise, peppercorns, coriander seeds, and salt. Add the boneless chicken breasts, bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat and cover. Let sit for 20-25 minutes until cooked.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, Sichuan peppercorns, chili flakes, Korean chili powder, and a pinch of salt. Heat oil in a saucepan and pour over the spice mixture. Add peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, vinegar, and sesame oil; mix well.
  3. On a large platter, layer sliced cucumbers, distribute shredded chicken, sprinkle with crushed peanuts, mint, and coriander leaves. Drizzle with spicy dressing and garnish with sesame seeds.
  4. Chill the salad for 15 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. Toss lightly before serving to coat evenly with the dressing.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 26gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 35mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For the best flavor, opt for fresh herbs and serve immediately after assembling.

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